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2015 acura tlx Model Overview

New for 2015

The 2015 Acura TLX is a new model that replaces the TL and TSX in Acura’s lineup. It is available with two new engines and transmissions, rear-wheel steering assist on front-drive models, the automaker’s Super-Handling All-Wheel-Drive system (SH-AWD), and a host of safety features including collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and blind spot detection.

Vehicle Summary

The 2015 Acura TLX is a luxury sports sedan available in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations.

Overview

Two engines are available in the 2015 Acura TLX: a 2.4-liter I-4 with 206 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and a 3.5-liter V-6 rated at 290 hp and 267 lb-ft mated to a nine-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is only available with the larger engine while front-drive variants have rear wheel steering. Fuel economy is competitive for the class with I-4 models rated at 24/35 mpg city/highway, front-drive V-6 cars at 21/34 mpg and 21/31 mpg with all-wheel drive.

Handling is a 2015 TLX strong point with a firm ride, well-controlled body movements, and excellent steering feel. Understeer, however, is prominent in V-6-powered models with SH-AWD, which detracts from the car’s driving dynamics. Acceleration is good with both engines, giving the car good power for passing and merging. Additionally, the power doesn’t come at the cost of fuel economy as the 2015 TLX is one of the most frugal luxury sports sedans. Both the eight-speed dual-clutch and nine-speed automatics are well-tuned with good responses in Sport+ mode and shift quickly when left to its own devices.

While not as commodious as the outgoing Acura TL, the 2015 TLX’s interior has good room for adults with respectable front seat space. However, rear seat accommodations are tight for taller adults, and the extra structural bracing eats into trunk space, reducing it to 13.2 cubic feet. Cabin refinement is a strong point with a quiet cabin and comfortable seats that make the car ideal for long-distance driving. Tech and safety features are impressive with adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, lane keeping assist, collision mitigation braking system, navigation, and a 10-speaker, 490-watt Acura/ELS sound system on higher trim levels.

The available Technology package adds a host of safety features including lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, lane departure warning, and forward collision warning. Available only on models with the V-6, the Advance package expands on the safety aids, adding adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, forward emergency braking, and road departure mitigation. The 2015 Acura TLX received a five-star overall safety score from the NHTSA (out of a possible five stars) and is considered a Top Safety Pick+ rating by the IIHS, earning a Good score on four categories, Acceptable in the small overlap front category (Good is the highest possible score), and providing Basic front crash prevention (front crash prevention awards include Basic, Advanced and Superior).

What We Think

As an entire package, the 2015 Acura TLX is compelling because it offers lots of technology, good driving dynamics, and luxurious appointments that improve upon the outgoing TL and TSX. In a First Test review of a V-6 model, we said that the car provides good performance and handling, but the prominence of understeer in models equipped with all-wheel drive ruins the car due to its abrupt mid-corner transitions. Additionally, we noted in a First Test of a 2.4-liter equipped TLX that the smaller engine “can’t quite keep up with its turbocharged competition” with slower acceleration due to its lack of power and torque. The 2015 TLX’s interior is a nice place to be, with a well-appointed and built cabin, good sound insulation, and comfortable, supportive, and well-bolstered seats. Although the infotainment system is improved, we said in a First Drive review that “the graphics looked somewhat dated” compared to its competition.

Rating

2015 Acura TLX Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$31,445

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$23,650

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

If the vehicle is loaded to the specifications listed on the label, tire failure may result, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-10-01

Description

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to September 20, 2014. The affected vehicles may have incorrect values for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) front and rear printed on the safety certification label. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Part 567, "Certification."

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected certification label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on October 21, 2014. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-382-2238. Honda's number for this recall is JK6.

Units Affected

189

Recall ID#14V779000 - POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Consequence

If the shift indicator displays "Park" but the park lock does not engage, the vehicle may roll away increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-12-08

Description

American Honda Motor Co. (Honda) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX V6 2WD vehicles manufactured July 14, 2014, to November 12, 2014, and certain 2015 TLX V6 SH-AWD vehicles manufactured August 26, 2014, to November 10, 2014. The automatic transmission parking pawl may become contaminated or the park rod may become dislodged or broken. This may prevent the transmission from shifting into the Park position.

Remedy

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the transmission if necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 30, 2015. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-310-783-2000. Honda's number for this recall is JM8.

If the vehicle unexpectedly shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2016-09-06

Description

Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain model year 2015 Acura TLX 2WD and 4WD vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the transmission wire harness connections may have insufficient crimps, and, as a result, the transmission may unexpectedly shift to neutral.

Remedy

Acura has notified owners, and dealers will, based on the automatic transmission serial number, update the transmission software to prevent the transmission from shifting into neutral due to a faulty crimp, free of charge. The recall began January 13, 2017. Owners may contact Acura Client Relations at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's number for this recall is KC2.

2015 Acura TLX News and Reviews

Despite its marketing as something of a performance car, the TLX never gives me that vibe. On the occasions when I unleash my inner Senna, the acceleration is never very dramatic, even when I put my foot into it. Pinning me to the back of my seat isn’t happening. I’m not saying it’s slow—it accelerates just fine and at a…

After years of parking on the street and paying for permits, I was stoked my new apartment comes with a single-car garage. Delight nearly turned to disappointment when I realized it was going to be a seriously tight fit—so tight I wasn’t sure the TLX could squeeze in. The length is fine, but the width difference of the garage opening…

The TPMS read 7 PSI for the rear passenger-side tire. Ugh. I don’t have AAA, and I’m not all that skilled in pit stops. Despite TPMS being notorious for false readings, sure enough the tire was as flat as Kansas. No worries. The Acura comes equipped with a tire sealant and inflator kit. The square device looked like something out…

We were stuck. After power lines fell across the 101 freeway just south of San Francisco, traffic came to a complete stop, and we were caught up in it. Thanks to our 2015 Acura TLX 2.4, however, time spent idling was kept to just a few minutes, as the navigation system rerouted us. Our destination was a hotel right off…

I’m still in the gee-whiz discovery stage of getting to know my new Acura. I’ve been making adjustments to all the settings: seat memory, radio presets, setting up the navigation system, and most important, setting the map orientation to “Heading Up*”. The next step is to break out the owner’s manual. It’s become part of my new car ritual.…